Aortic Stenosis

Aortic Stenosis (As) is a hereditary disorder. It is one of the most common hereditary cardiac conditions in dogs, and especially prevelant in Boxers. Its symptoms range from one extreme of being practically undetectable (without use of an ultrasound)to sudden death on the other extreme.

'Stenosis' literally means 'narrowing' and that is often caused by a fibrous ring at the bottom or bellow the aortic valve, which is why the condition is sometimes know as "sub-Aortic".

This narrowing can cause a partial obstruction to the flow of blood as it leaves the left side of the heart through the aorta which carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

It is important for responsible breeders, and owners who wish to breed their pets, to realise that the gene carrying Stenosis is a dominant gene. This means a parent dog that has the gene can be expected to pass the gene on to at least 50% of their off-spring.

Stenosis can occur in varying degrees, much like the dominant gene, 'Brindle' will generate varying hues when mated with a fawn specimen.

The degrees of AS are classified from Grades I through IV, IV being 'critical'.

Similiar as well to the genetic relationship between Brindles and Fawns: NO MATTER THE DEGREE OF STENOSIS FOUND IN A PARENT DOG HE/SHE IS EQUALLY LIKELY TO PASS VARYING DEGREES OF THE CONDITION TO HIS/HER PROGENY.

Speaking from terrible experience, for example, a bitch with an undetected Grade I stenosis, can pass on to her pup aGrade IV condition that causes sudden death as early as its 13th week.

The only effective method for screening for Stenosis is with the use of an ultra-sound.

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